The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has applauded the Government's workforce commitment to train 2,000 new GPs every year by 2028 and incentivise more junior doctors to become specialist GPs, as part of its $8.5 billion Medicare package.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright says the scale of this investment shows the Government understands the critical need to fund a sustainable general practice workforce.
"We welcome the Government's workforce initiatives to build Australia's specialist GP workforce into the future," he said.
"The GP attraction initiative will match the wages, and parental and study leave entitlements of GP trainees to those of hospital-based doctors. This will remove one of the most significant barriers to junior doctors choosing a career in general practice.
"Similarly, the Government's commitment to expanding GP training numbers will ensure more Australian communities can access GP care close to where they live. This is so important because there is no substitute for the high-quality care you get from a specialist GP who knows you and your history.
"These initiatives are part of the RACGP's comprehensive plan to ensure accessible affordable general practice care for all Australia and we thank the Government for embracing our workforce recommendations."
Dr Wright also said the Government's proposal for a universal bulk billing scheme is asking general practitioners to make major changes to their operating models. This will require careful consideration to ensure patient care is sustainable and funding is targeted at those who need it most.
"There is no doubt Medicare has been under funded for years and GPs have been bearing this cost for too long. So, the Government's $8.5 billion Medicare package is certainly welcome.
"However, GPs will need Government support to understand and adjust to the proposed new funding model, if they chose to do so.
"Extending bulk billing incentives to everyone won't necessarily mean everyone gets bulk billed, because patient rebates are still too low to cover the cost of care.
"Ultimately, we need to make sure GPs are enabled to deliver high-quality care that is sustainable and doesn't put unreasonable pressure on practitioners to see people quickly or make it harder for people to get more time with their GP.
"More targeted funding to support people with chronic and complex conditions is still the most cost-effective way to improve Australia's healthcare system.
"That's why the RACGP's plan for accessible and affordable GP care calls for a 25% increase to patient rebates for mental health, which are one of the most common consults, and a 40% increase to patient rebates for longer consults, which 61% of Australians need to ensure their chronic and complex illnesses are well managed.
"If Labor is re-elected, we look forward to working with them to ensure all patients can see a GP they trust near them, and we hope to see equally significant investments from all political parties in the lead up to the 2025 Federal Election."
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